No. 3 - 2010 (Download)
Transcription
No. 3 - 2010 (Download)
Conta ins 450 0 00 little fi sh The CeO leads The way FrOm pigeOn hunTer TO Friend OF The ClimaTe meet environmental boss Tormod schei Tending TO The waTer Marilyn Marskar makes sure the hydropower is clean A mAgAzine for people in StAtkrAft I no. 3 2010 editorial o s 14 T e g a P r e ove 19 ar g wiTh in flow Tos! Pho Foto dag spant a competitive company 2 This is a very exciting autumn for Statkraft. Just before summer, we presented a more targeted strategy which will free up resources and equity for our core areas. It will also ensure continued growth adjusted to our financial framework. Hydropower will remain as the basis of our operations, both in Norway and internationally. We will further develop the flexibility inherent in hydropower and gas power. We will also continue our wind energy initiatives in the Nordic countries and in the UK, as well as our efforts in district heating, but with reduced investments. We will maintain our major industrial ownership in Norwegian regional companies. This autumn, we will carry on with our efforts to make this strategy even more specific. The various business and staff areas will continue statkraft to refine their strategies which also become part of the overall company strategy and work out their organisational details. Large parts of the organisational structure have been presented in recent weeks. In addition, it is our goal to simplify and improve the management systems and reporting structures. This will strengthen our confidence that we have selected the correct strategy to grow within our focus areas, and develop Statkraft as a competitive company. Christian rynning-tønnesen President and CEO no 3.2010 Contents 04 The CEO sharpens his pencil Christian Rynning-Tønnesen leads the way. 06 The instrumental friend Recently hired Executive Vice President Steinar Bysveen loves the piano, golf clubs and management. 08 Cutting power In four years all of Statkraft’s Norwegian facilities will use 35 percent less energy. 10 New look caused dancing fever SN Power is changing its look, and the employees notice the difference. 12 An orderly day With Emendo, nothing ends up in the big, black beyond.. 14 Cultivation days The future of the river is in the net cage. 22 The wind is in the willows … … the water and on land. Water flow regulation is not just a piece of cake. 32 Synchronised watches Everyone was dressed when CDM employees from around the world finally got to meet. 34 Dove hunter turned climate friend Did you know that VP of Environment Tormod Schei has sung at Royal Albert Hall? 38 ”Disaster” strikes in Germany Full-on action for 240 employees. editor-in-chief: hanne aaberg editor: Christer gilje [email protected] editorial staff: Birger Baug, irene macCallum, lars magnus günther, anne joeken, linn Bakke, helena aina Zissis, gunilla lundén design and production: red kommunikasjon cover: marilyn marskar, environmental adviser, pg cover photo by: ellen johanne jarli Print: rk grafisk as circulation: 5000 feedback and tips are greatly appreciated: [email protected] people & power 3 Current affairs “This is not a major departure from what has been, but rather a more targeted and more clearly communicated strategy,” says Christian Rynning-Tønnesen 4 statkraft strategy president and Ceo to lead the way just before the summer, president and Ceo Christian rynningtønnesen presented a new and more focused strategy. he now talks about the background for the changes – and the direction in which the corporate management wants to take the company. text: Christer gilje photo: hans Fredrik asBjørnsen w hat are the most important aspects of the changes to the strategy? “The most important aspect of focusing the strategy is that this will free up resources across the organisation, so we can go full speed ahead with the projects inside the strategy. We are in a dialogue with the owner on dividends and equity, and the outcome of this dialogue will define our financial framework. Until this review has been completed, the board and corporate management will operate within the current financial framework.” how necessary was it for statkraft to prioritise and define its core operations? “It was natural to make an assessment of our priorities at the time when I joined the company and changes were made in the corporate management. This is not a major departure from what has been, but rather a more focused and more clearly communicated strategy.” did you have any doubts as to removing entire technologies? “Of course, we discussed how wise it would be to exit a technology investment altogether rather than down-scale. In terms of solar power, we decided it was best to exit that technology and thus free up resources and capital for other areas. In terms of wind energy and district heating on the other hand, we decided to maintain a significant involvement, but with reduced investment plans for the next few years.” what is your view of the company’s innovation section in the time ahead? “We will have further development within flexible hydropower and gas power, international FacTs statkraft’s new, targeted strategy was presented on 18 june. it calls for greater emphasis on the group’s core expertise within flexible and renewable energy generation, and the company has defined the following focus areas: flexible energy generation and market operations in norway and Western europe. international hydropower wind energy in norway, sweden and the uk Focused growth within district heating in norway and consolidation of the operations in sweden statkraft will continue its role as an industrial owner of regional companies in norway. hydropower, wind energy and district heating. The main focus of our innovation initiatives will be to support these areas. But there will also be room for a certain amount of innovation beyond this, for instance within osmotic power. Due to the nature of innovation, the framework can’t be too tight. What defines innovation is the ability to come up with solutions we didn’t have when we started, and that you can’t predefine everything.” Can sn Power-boss øistein andresen entry into the corporate management be interpreted as a sign that sn Power’s operations will be more integrated? “Yes, SN Power’s operations have always been important to Statkraft, but the fact that we now own 60 per cent of the company and have the opportunity to buy still more and the appointment of Andresen to the executive management are signals that Statkraft wants to keep international hydropower developments close to the group. Still, it is important that the activities continue to be managed and operated independently, so the enterprise is given the opportunity to develop in parts of the world outside the parent company’s core areas. It is our ambition to be able to exploit synergies within engineering and HSE.” in norway, there is a political divide on gas power. why is it then right to pursue initiatives for gas power on the continent? “In Germany, gas power is regarded as one of the most eco-friendly alternatives in power generation, and Norway is also one of the largest gas suppliers to Europe. From this perspective, it is only natural for Statkraft to be involved in Euro-pean gas power. We have considered the value of having flexible gas power available in northern Europe against other Group initiatives, and our conclusion is that we wish to keep this area and further develop both flexible hydropower and gas power as part of our core activity.” when will we know more about the specific changes to the organisation as a result of the changed strategy? “We recently presented the organisational structure and appointed leaders for various areas under the corporate management, and that in itself has provided a great deal of clarification. In the months ahead, there will be a process in each business and staff area to define their plans and how to best utilise the resources. Additionally, here at the head office, it will be particularly important to define the roles and tasks of the staff in the Group.” for you, what is the most important thing to accomplish this autumn? "That would be to complete the review of the organisation, so that all business areas and staff have clearly defined roles, and that all employees know the goals they are working towards." ● people & power 5 Current affairs “My body needs me to play golf,” says new Executive Vice President in Statkraft, Steinar Bysveen New faces in corporate management steinar bysveen hilde bakken øistein andresen Civil engineer and business economist. Former president of energy norway. Civil engineer in petroleum, has been with statkraft since 2000. Civil engineer (electricity). Former managing director of sn power. areas oF responsiBility: hse, hr, corporate social responsibility, communications, corporate audits. areas oF responsiBility: sn power, southeast europe, international hydropower. areas oF responsiBility: production and industrial ownership. the Best thing aBout statkraFt: the opportunities, the expertise and all the nice people. leadership motto: there is no limit to what you can’t achieve when you don’t want to. the Best thing aBout statkraFt: our highly competent employees and our plans, which we can be proud of. leadership motto: thorough and systematic work will yield results over time. i hope my actions will be my most important leadership tool. (see separate interview with hilde bakken in the portal.) 6 statkraft the Best thing aBout statkraFt: the company is leading within eco-friendly energy, has a global growth strategy and core values that i can identify with - and it is inspiring to have so many good colleagues. motto som leder: Fokuser på mulighetene, ikke problemene. new exeCutive management new exeCutive management: energetic boss steinar Bysveen is mostly smiles when you meet him. perhaps because he has landed his dream job? text: Christer gilje photo: erik thallaug h ow are you today?” Steinar Bysveen asks as I enter his office. ”Thanks, I’m fine,” I reply. ”I’m under quite a bit of stress,” he says with outstretched arms. ”There’s so much I need to learn!” But I quickly understand that this isn’t a complaint. Bysveen has indeed landed his dream job. After 25 years in the energy industry, and seven years as president of the industry association Energy Norway, he began to think about his next move, and at the top of his wish list was Statkraft. Around Easter, he told Christian Rynning-Tønnesen about his thoughts, and a few months later, his dream came true. And this is where we return to the busy work day. It may be hectic, but it is also happy. ”There are so many nice and highly competent people here!” says Bysveen. ”When I talk to people and when I read on the intranet about all the exciting things we do in Statkraft, I think to myself that this is something I would love to tell the entire world!” Flexibility is the solution His drive to tell the world comes naturally. As president of the energy industry’s own association, he worked to convince politicians, media and the general public how Norway’s energy should be managed. He will now be managing much of Statkraft’s production. And he has already set some clear goals for the future. “We need to develop more renewable energy, and in many countries, this means wind energy,” he says. “But what will we do when there’s no wind? Or when the wind is blowing, but consumption is low? The solution is flexible energy production. Therefore, one of my most important tasks will be to increase the effect we achieve in hydropower, through pumped storage energy in Norway and gas power in Germany.” Bysveen is focused on explaining this need to the general public. The big debate this summer on transmission cables in Hardanger was an example of influencing attitudes towards energy development. “There has been a gradual development since the time when developing hydropower and the power grid equalled building the nation. It is still important that we have the general public on our side,“ he stresses. a complex fellow Communicating with the public and the authorities has been very important for Bysveen throughout much of his career, but he also has solid technical and economic expertise. He has an engineering degree and a degree in business economics, and his energy career started in Saga Petroleum. “I learned a lot about project execution, the ownership role and business development during my time there,” he says.” I also worked a lot with gas. I continued working with gas when I worked to develop gas power in Industrikraft Midt-Norge until I started in Energy Norway, where regulatory work is very important.” “The energy industry is about technology, economics and politics, all at the same time. And it is this that makes it such an interesting sector.” Although Bysveen practically has the energy business in his blood, he is not an industry geek. He tries to get a round of golf in every weekend for example. “It is a physical need,” he explains. “And when my wife looks at my body, she agrees that the need is real.” When he is not at the golf course, he is trying to befriend musical instruments. “I have a background from marching bands and big bands, and I do still play a bit, but mostly for my own amusement. The family claims it is just myself I amuse, but I’m not giving up. I started taking piano lessons when I turned 40, and the hope lingers that the piano will be my friend one day.” But before that happens, there are plenty of other friends to make. “I will meet a lot of Statkraft employees this autumn, and travel to the various units I’m responsible for, in order to get to know them better. I will be in charge of many very different parts of the company, both in terms of size and tasks, but my hope is that I’ll manage to adjust to the various needs, inspire employees and define the road ahead.” ● who heads what? New on the board the managers on the level below corporate management were introduced in August. Much of the organisational structure was also introduced at the same time, and it will be further developed until 30 November. The work on the group strategy, the group management process and reporting and a comprehensive HR process will run parallel with this. You can follow the processes through the CEO’s information meetings and in the portal. svein aaser has been elected the new chairman of the board in Statkraft AS, replacing Arvid Grundekjøn. Aaser is a partner in the consultancy firm InFuture, and chairman of the board for the Nordic Ski World Cup 2011 and the National Museum. He is a former CEO of Den Norske Bank, DnB NOR, Nycomed, Storebrand insurance, NORA food products, as well as president of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) from 1992 to 1994. Do you want to see who heads what? Go to the About us section on the intranet. Inge Ryan and Silvija Seres were elected new members of the board, replacing Hilde M. Tonne and Bertil (Pertti) Tiusanen. Svein Aaser people & power 7 Current affairs From the Nedre Røssåga power plant (Archive photo) Cutting power at the power plants By 2014, all of statkraft’s norwegian buildings will use 35 per cent less energy than they do today due to energy efficiency measures. in addition to saving both energy and costs, these energy efficiency measures will make a positive contribution to the climate, by freeing up more clean energy. text: lars magnus günther 8 statkraft s tatkraft’s Norwegian facilities, including power plants, office buildings and stock fish facilities, consume a total of about 100 GWh of electricity annually. A study of the facilities carried out by Norconsult, shows that it is possible to cut energy consumption by 35 GWh annually by making profitable investments in management systems, operations monitoring and energy management in connection with lighting, ventilation and heating. The study forms the basis for the project ”Energy Efficiency in our own facilities,” which is a part of PG’s ongoing work to improve technology and processes in order to achieve environmental benefits and efficient energy use. No more free energy ”Since the early days, our own energy has been regarded as cost free and was carried as a loss at the power stations. But increasing focus on energy efficiency and rising energy prices have also put a price on this consumption and created a potential for profitable investments. In total, we are looking at investing NOK 86 million until 2014. Enova will contribute NOK 14.6 million of kraFtkutt “The project has a profitability that can compete with other investments in the Group,” says project manager Leif Larsen. (Photo: Leif Betten) this, ensuring that the project’s profitability can compete with other investments in the group,” says project manager Leif Larsen. Phase 1 of the project got under way this autumn with installation of new equipment at the Nore, Aure and Rana Power Plant Group, as well as staff training. The first stage of the project will run until the summer and is carried out in partnership with Norconsult as consultants and YIT as the installing contractor. The plan is then to carry out similar investments at all remaining Norwegian facilities by 2014. Leif Larsen, himself the former power plant manager at Aura, has often thought that something should be done about the energy use at our facilities, but until now, focus has been on improvements to production. He now looks forward to getting to work on the energy efficiency of the buildings themselves. No one will feel cold “It is exciting to work on this and confirm assumptions regarding cost savings. At the same time, it is really great to experience the enthusiasm the power plant managers have when we present the project,” Larsen says. He stresses that no one will feel cold or work in it is great to see statkraft going for building automation, not just improvements to the production facilities, and that it is done for all of norway. the dark due to the measures. “Energy efficiency will not come at the expense of either comfort or the working environment. Quite the opposite, our employees will find that lighting, heating and ventilation will all be better adjusted to the work at hand.” Installing company YIT is also very pleased with Statkraft leading the way and taking on this challenge. “It is great to see Statkraft going for building automation, not just improvements to the production facilities, and that it is done for all of Norway,” project manager Tord Solvoll of the installation contractor YIT, says. He believes Statkraft will be successful in this highly ambitious project. Potential for improvement The innovation department has been a key internal contributor to the project. “The energy efficiency project has change as one of its success criteria. The goal requires that local expertise and knowledge of the facilities come together with new technical solutions and practical implementation. Statkraft has the potential to improve both processes and systems in this project, as well as making a contribution to an improved result for our core activity," says innovation advisor Hege Brende of Statkraft. She is involved in the project group with a special responsibility for following up communication and training of the employees, as well as assisting in project coordination for Statkraft within these areas. “The potential in energy efficiency boils down to behaviour and energy awareness through daily, practical work,” she says. ● people & power 9 Current affairs our employees notice the difference. People have said that they now feel a part of a global company. – karin greve-isdahl, CommuniCations direCtor, sn poWer the sheringham shoal offshore wind farm will consist of 88 wind turbines. With an annual energy production of an estimated 1.1 TWh. They will be able to supply 220 000 British households with electricity. 10 statkraft 2700 the norwegian Water resources and energy directorate recommends that the norwegian ministry of petroleum and energy grants statkraft a license to construct the ringedalen power plant in odda municipality. the power plant will generate enough electricity for 2 700 households. sn Power eD Danc w e for n n Desig sn power gets new look sn power is getting a face lift, and that means that everything from business cards to power plants signage will be replaced. text: Christer gilje photo: andrea gianella ”Image is important,” says Karin Greve-Isdahl, communications director in SN Power. ”The new profile is fresher and looks more professional, at the same time as it is attractive and user-friendly. It is all about how we want to look as a company.” Global image The correct branding is important, also when recruiting new employees. SN Power wants to have a more uniform look. The company has now incorporated the design elements used by Statkraft, and has the same look in all countries where it is represented. “The employees have noticed the difference. Many have said they now feel more part of a global company,” Greve-Isdahl says. Cecilia Torres of SN Power Peru, is one of those who appreciates the new look. “It has been very demanding to make the change, but we are really enthusiastic about it,” she says. “The new look is modern and innovative. It is also friendly, with soft colours. I feel that I’m now a part of a much greater company working towards a common goal. To invest in projects in renewable energy and work towards sustainable development.” Everything is changed The new logo was launched for all the Peruvian employees during a gathering at the end of July. The office has now changed their business cards, letterhead, templates, presentations and other information material. Banners have also been made, which will be used during various events in the local communities where SN Power operates. Now the work starts to begin using the logo and other parts of the new visual identity on facades and signage at the facilities. Torres is very pleased that the different offices were allowed to take part in the process. “We’ve been in a continuous dialogue with the head office regarding the change, and provided input and feedback on what the changes would entail for our communication work.” Online freshness One of the changes that most people notice is the new SN Power web pages. Experience from the launch of Statkraft’s new web pages last year was put to good use, but separate solutions have also been developed. One of these is a globe seen from a southern perspective, in other words, the countries where SN Power operates. Using the globe, web surfers can find out more about where the company has activities. The employees have also made a visible contribution to the new web pages. “We worked very closely with the design agency, but the different offices were also given the opportunity to give us feedback,” says GreveIsdahl. “Specifically, we had more than 400 submissions for a photo contest earlier this year. We’re now using many of these photos on the web pages, so the employees have really made a great and visible contribution to the pages.” ● First foundation in place the first wind energy generator foundation has been installed at Statkraft and Statoil’s offshore wind farm Sheringham Shoal, off the coast of Norfolk, England. The so-called monopole was put in place by the heavy-lift vessel “Svanen." A monopole is a steel tube which forms the foundation for the wind energy generators. Then the transition piece between the foundation and turbine tower was lifted into place. The work on the foundation is carried out by the construction company MTHøjgaard. “Svanen” will carry on installing the 89 remaining foundations this autumn, before the 88 wind energy generators and the two transformer stations are installed in 2011. Each foundation consists of a tubular steel monopole, driven 32 to 36 metres into the seabed, and a transition piece mounted on top. The monopoles are between 50 and 55 metres long and weigh from 400 to 600 tonnes, while the transition pieces are 22 metres high and weigh about 200 tonnes each. people & power 11 Current affairs Creating a better working day By using emendo, statkraft employees in all units will help each other create a safer working day. the system has been tested in a pilot study, and the feedback is positive. text: Cato gjertsen photo: alF Berg e mendo is an electronic non-conformance and improvement system which will be implemented in all Statkraft units. Power Generation (PG) will start using Emendo by 1 January. At the same time, the Light Bulb and JobTech will be phased out. improved overview Anders Mathisen, a specialist consultant for health and safety in PG, says there are two main objectives for using Emendo. “First of all, it is to ensure that each report is handled in the best possible manner,” says Mathisen. “For instance, the system instantly provides the name of the person who, at any given time, is responsible for a report, and who is responsible for the actions. Furthermore, the person who created the report will receive updates on the issue through e-mail, and be able to continually check the status until it has been closed. This clear and concise overview will make it easier to process an issue in the best possible manner. At the same time, employees see that their involvement does matter. The issue does not disappear into the big, black beyond, and will be finalised.” “The second main objective for Emendo is that employees will learn from one another, across units and responsibility boundaries, so that we slightly improve all the time,” says Mathisen. ”But for people to be able to learn from their colleagues, it is vital that they actively use the system when they report a non-conformance or have an improvement suggestion. This is the only way the information quality in Emendo will be good enough to create an apparent transfer value. My impression is that Statkraft employees do care about each other, even the ones they don’t know personally, so I hope and believe it will happen.” Easy to use In order for the threshold to report in Emendo to be low, users must find the system easy to use. And it is user-friendliness when reporting issues that scored highest in the first assessment of the pilot study at the Ulla Førre power plants. "You enter through the portal, and a few easy clicks later, you find the form you want," says HS advisor Bente Gudmestad Løland in Region West Norway. "Not only that, but the form is easy to understand. The whole process is very efficient." Employees without daily access to a computer can make a written report to a colleague with computer access. The remaining follow-up of the report will, of course, be the same. Løland says that about two-thirds of the reported incidents in the pilot study dealt with physical non-conformances or improvement proposals, such as an escape route door being locked, or loose rocks that could fall from a tunnel roof. The remaining reports mainly dealt with non-conformances in various audits and reviews. Graded by seriousness All non-conformances and suggestions are graded by degree of seriousness. This will make it easier for a colleague to get useful information if they want to prepare a report on a subject addressed by several other employees. “Emendo is user-friendly, both when you want to make a report on a non-conformance, and later, when you want to use this information,” Løland says. “Therefore, this is a system which will be a great benefit in creating a better and safer working day in the entire company. ● my impression is that statkraft employees do care about each other, even the ones they don’t know personally. anders mathisen, speCialist Consultant For health and saFety in pg. 12 statkraft “The system is easy to use,” says HS adviser Bente Gudmestad Løland in Region West Norway. emendo the environmental exPert In each issue, we provide various environmental experts in Norway and Europe with the opportunity to present their view on the energy solutions of the future. Many have protested against the development of power lines in Hardanger this summer. Former secretary general of the Friends of the Earth Norway, Per Flatberg (73) was a key figure in the opposition against the Mardøla and Alta hydropower developments 40 and 30 years ago respectively. We invited him to give us his view on hydropower developments today. “Would have done it all over again” About two-thirds of the reported incidents in the pilot study dealt with physical non-conformances or improvement proposals, such as loose rocks that could fall from a tunnel roof. abOuT EmENdO: a non-conformance and improvement system developed for, and to be used by, the entire statkraft group. emendo will be available in norwegian, english and german. the system is integrated with the sap maintenance system. the pilot study was carried out at the ulla Førre power plants from 7 june to 2 july 2010. the preliminary assessment shows that users find it easy to report issues in emendo. emendo will ensure that every reported incident is handled optimally, and that users learn from observations made by others, across countries and responsibility boundaries. no persons must be named in the system, because all employees have reading access. reports naming specific employees will be rejected. statkraft should be praised for its international hydropower initiatives. I find the strategy to develop hydropower abroad reasonable. It will replace much of the fossil energy currently being used. Statkraft is also very involved in wind energy, and if I was the boss of Statkraft, I’d continue these efforts. But I would have focused on offshore, not land-based, wind farms. This would spare coastal landscapes. I’m also not very enthusiastic about major hydropower developments these days. I believe the impact of all current projects represent a threat to bio diversity, just as major hydropower developments in the past did. It is much wiser to focus on energy efficiency rather than new developments and power lines. It is necessary to move way from development and towards efficient use of the energy we have! I participated both in the Mardøla protests in 1970 and in the Alta protests a decade later. At the time, I participated in an attempt to stop development in both i would have places, and I would have done exactly the same today. focused on Neither the Mardøla nor the offshore, not landAlta development should based, wind farms. have been carried out. The this would spare Mardøla development had coastal landscapes . a major negative impact on the local population in the Eikesdalen valley, and basically destroyed the magnificent Mardøla waterfalls, among our tallest and grandest waterfalls. The Alta development is a classic example of unwise decisions, and even former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland has admitted that it should not have been carried out. The development had major consequences for salmon fishing and Sami interests, and destroyed one of the most amazing landscapes in Northern Europe. There are certain gains to be achieved from using alternative energy sources, such as bio energy and wind energy, and I see a distinct development within solar energy and wave energy. However, it is more important to focus on energy efficiency, where the potential is great. Reports from the construction industry indicate that it is possible to reduce energy consumption in the construction industry by 12 terawatt hours over 10 years. This equals almost 10 per cent of our total energy production. We should also provide more support to regular people, so they can replace their electric heaters with heat pumps and insulate their homes. – Per Flatberg people & power 13 Photo essay Project manager Daniella Brakstad (in front) and facility manager Monika Klungervik at the Rossåa fish facility in northern Møre og Romsdal county handle the net cage which will go in the river. The smolt will remain in the cage for two or three days to get accustomed to the new conditions, before the hatch on the top is opened and the fish’s new lives can begin. 14 statkraft rossåa sPawning millions two million roe, 450 000 little fish, two gene banks and a nok 26 million budget. Cultivation work in statkraft is no joke. photo: dag spant text: Birger Baug people & power 15 Photo essay Skilled worker Bjørnar Aasbø collects smolt ready for tougher conditions in real life. From here, the fish are placed in the trucks which transport them to their new home. we also want to be involved with the fish after it has left the facility, even though statkraft’s responsibility ends when it has been introduced to the wild. seCtion head, Fish and Cultivation, statkraFt, rume limstrand 16 statkraft Bjørnar Aasbø operates the hose, followed by Daniella Braktstad. Skilled worker Pål Vidar Olsen (right) is at the back, ready to transfer the fish from the tank to the net cage, while Erik Sjølland has been seconded from the power plant group to be the driver for the day. rossåa Monika Klungervik keeps a watchful eye on Pål’s hands, as he gently readies the smolt for transport. people & power 17 Photo essay The Rossåa fish facility is located in scenic surroundings at the very end of the Todal fjord. In the background are Bjøråskaret and Skjerding mountains, with peaks of 1 500 metres above sea level. the ultimate goal is that the rivers and stock will be selfreproducing, and we must give them the best possible conditions in order to achieve that. seCtion head, Fish and Cultivation, statkraFt, rume limstrand 18 statkraft rossåa Pål Vidar Olsen (at the back) and Espen Sjølland have introduced a few thousand fish to the wild over the course of their careers. “in total, we are 24 full-time employees all over Norway, with one facility in Finnmark county, two in Nordland, two in Møre and Romsdal and one in Hordaland. We’re also involved in several other facilities around Norway,” says head of the fish and cultivation section in Statkraft, Rune Limstrand. “We also do fish farming and cultivation in a number of other Statkraft countries, but we haven’t quite decided yet on how to organise and possibly coordinate the work being done in the various countries.” Roe and fish restocking is one of the regulatory requirements for Statkraft being permitted to develop river systems and produce energy. Good results help build a good reputation, and local governments are on board towards a shared goal. “In addition, the gene banks safeguard endangered salmon stocks. We operate these banks on behalf of Norway’s Directorate of Nature Management (DN). The ultimate goal is that the rivers and stock will be self-reproducing, and we must give them the best possible conditions in order to achieve that,” Limstrand says. One of the major projects Statkraft is involved in, is to identify measure to prevent a large number of salmon dying in the transition between river systems and fjords. “We also want to be involved with the fish after it has left the facility, even though Statkraft’s responsibility ends when it has been introduced. If the fish die in the sea, we will never reach our goal of self-reproducing stock.” The salmon operations tend to attract spectators of all ages. Perhaps the boys are planning how to get the salmon back out of the water… Limstrand and his colleagues want to make sure that the lack of return of fish is not due to the Group’s power generation or fish restocking. “It is sad to stock fish, only to see that so many die when they enter the sea. One of the problems is the salmon louse which thrives in the farming industry’s net cages and infects the wild salmon. We hope to get the fish farmers in on a new research project which will address this issue.” In any case, Statkraft’s cultivation history dates back to the 1950s. The list over positive contributions made by the fish department is long, but one of the most positive is the Alta river system, where the development sparked massive protests towards the end of the 1970s. “This is very much a success story for Statkraft. The local salmon production is now higher than before the development, when the river is seen as a whole. This story should really be promoted as a gigantic success,” a very pleased Limstrand says. The same can be said of the reestablishment of the rivers Rana and Røssåga, after they underwent rotenone treatment due to gyrodactilus salaries. “These rivers have now received the green light after receiving material from our gene bank in Bjerka,” Limstrand says. ● people & power 19 Current affairs wiNd Farm a hiT wiTh ThE wElsh A number of activities helped set the mood during the event at Alltwalis. statkraft hosted an open day at the alltwalis wind farm in Wales this summer. More than 1 100 local residents turned up for a grand day out, with activities for adults and kids alike. ”Our goal was to strengthen the relationship between Statkraft and the local community, and let the locals experience the wind farm up close. In this regard, the event was a huge success,” says Eivind Torblaa, who recently stepped down as head of Statkraft UK Ltd. The wind farm is located in idyllic surroundings on a hill just outside the village of Carmarthen, with sheep grazing between the wind energy generators. The area had been transformed in to a bona-fide fun fair for the occasion, with a bouncy castle, rodeo, face painting and circus skills workshops, as well as a number of other activities. A band from the local school held a concert, and several local organisations were involved in the programme for the day. Visitors received a tour of the facility, and could enjoy a barbecue, ice cream and popcorn on the stunning summer’s day. Several sceptics left the event with a different view of the wind farm, after having seen the wind energy generators up close. “They look amazing on the hillside,” one visitor said, while another was surprised by the low noise levels. The event was covered by local paper Carmarthen Journal and BBC Wales. 50 new employees in Sweden next year Power generation in sweden (Pgs) decided at the end of 2009 to in-source operation and maintenance of Swedish power plants. Since then, the project team has continued its work, and it has now been confirmed that about 50 employees at contractor E.ON-ES have accepted the offer to become Statkraft employees. They will become our colleagues on 1 January 2011. “We are pleased that so many accepted our offer,” says PGS regional manager Per Nordlund. “We regard day-to-day operations and inspections as an important strategic requirement for continuous improvement and reinvestments, so that we, in the longterm, can realise the full potential of the facilities. The fact that the majority of the crews have their day-today work at the facilities, improve these conditions.” 20 statkraft 410 000 statkraft’s traders in trondheim have now taken on all responsibility for all physical and financial power trading for Fjordkraft. this entails ensuring electricity for more than 410 000 customers. CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen had much to discuss with the UK Minister of State, Charles Hendry. statkraft blows ONs away statkraft had a highly visible presence at the renewable energy Park, the renewable energy section at the ONS energy fair, held from 24 to 27 August in Stavanger, Norway. More than 40 000 visitors attended ONS, which is one of the largest energy exhibitions in the world. King Harald V opened the Renewable Energy Park, right next to Statkraft’s stand, and chatted with President and CEO Christian Rynnning-Tønnesen. RynningTønnesen also met with the British Minister of State with special responsibility for energy, Charles Hendry, before they both attended the Pure Energy for More People seminar, hosted by Statkraft. The main theme of the seminar was offshore wind energy, and the British minister spoke about the UK’s significant initiatives in this field. The wind energy development potential is 30 000 MW, equal to a quarter of the UK’s electricity consumption, and at least half of this is planned for development within 2020. Hendry stressed that it is important that companies such as Statkraft invest in this development, promising predictable framework conditions. Gener a to part y i r alltwa n lis Laget gjorde en strålende førstekamp i Norway Cup, og klarte også målet om å komme til sluttspillet. made Norway cup history for the first time in the history of norway Cup a Nepalese boys’ team participated in the football tournament. Statkraft, SN Power, BKK and HPL sponsored the team’s participation. The Kirne NC team 2010 is a local team, comprising players from two villages called Kirne and Devitar in Nepal, near the small community that was created when Statkraft started construction of Khimti I. The power plant has been in operation for ten years now, and has Norwegian ownership interests through SN Power and BKK, as well as an operations and maintenance contract through Statkraft. As part of the ten year anniversary, it was suggested we sponsor a team for Norway Cup. Players were also treated to trips to the Holmenkollen ski jump, the Royal Palace, Tusenfryd amusement park, Hunderfossen amusement park and a boat outing on the Oslo fjord. The boys are from a poor agricultural area, where the residents earn barely enough to feed their families. Most of the houses are made from rocks and red clay, while some of the boys live in bamboo houses. And now football. The team’s goal was clear. They wanted to advance to the knock-out stages. They started brilliantly with a 10-0 victory in their first match. The following games were a bit slower, but the team did make it to the knock-out stages. However, they lost their first match, but still had a great debut in the world’s largest football tournament. Caption: The team played a brilliant starting match in Norway Cup, and reached its goal to advance to the knock-out stages. Germany strengthens communications New communicators, from the left, Stefanie Hauke (Landesbergen), Sabine Reisz (Hürth-Knapsack), Michael Hans (German hydropower plants), Nesrin Schierling (Hürth-Knapsack) and Stefanie Buss (Emden). the düsseldorf communications team has now received local support from the German power plants. Five employees have received training in Group policies regarding branding and design, media contact, sponsorships and Statkraft’s information channels (such as intranet, People&Power and brochures). They now have a complete understanding of Statkraft’s processes, regulations and guidelines. This means that employees can seek advice from their local contact, or the Düsseldorf communications team, regarding their communication needs. “We have seen good results already after two months,” says Anne Joeken, communications manager for Germany. “We will definitely expand the network further.” 150 at smøla the eagle population has now increased to 65-70 pairs, and some individual birds, making the total population about 150 sea eagles. Since the completion of the wind farm in 2005, 35 dead eagles have been recovered, but the population is now healthy and growing. people & power 21 feature 22 statkraft river systems and the environment Biotopes, introducing roe, mountain seeds, wild reindeer, condition reviews and camping. Utilising energy from a river is a complex task. By Cato gjertsen, ellen jarli (photo), suldal muniCipality (photo) and torgeir sollid (illustration) people & power 23 feature Water anguish marilyn marskar works on challenges that, no matter the solution, will affect statkraft’s power production in norwegian river systems for decades ahead. h ydropower is a renewable resource the world wants more of. Many would therefore claim that Statkraft should produce at maximum capacity, so that the company fully realises its potential, and at the same time maximises profit. “However, producing renewable energy does involve some negative local impact in connection with reduced water flow in rivers and changes to the water level in reservoirs, as well as aspects which may impact tourism and bio diversity,” says Marilyn Marskar, environmental adviser in Power Generation. On the other had, reduced flood risk, increased accessibility to hiking areas and municipal tax income are examples of positive local impact. Using knowledge and experience, Statkraft believes it is possible to balance the various interests in connection with renewable power generation and local environmental considerations. 20 reviews until 2022 When licenses are granted for river system regulation, the terms which define how the water system is to be regulated are also set. A total of 340 hydropower licenses could, under Norwegian legislation, be up for review by 2022. About 20 of these belong to Statkraft. Together with local governments and other stakeholders, Marilyn and her colleagues will find the solutions that best combine the need for renewable energy production and local environmental concerns. These reviews primarily provide the opportunity to set new terms to alleviate environmental damage as a result of hydropower developments. Each license contains a set of terms regarding the production, and which state everything from water flow to the lowest level in the reservoir at a given time during the year. During the reviews, it is these terms that are looked at, not the actual license. Issues such as fish restocking, clearing 24 statkraft and refilling restrictions for reservoirs are discussed and reviewed. The actual river regulation, with the maximum and minimum regulated water flow rates (water flow regulations) can not be changed however. Neither can civil law issues or business interest issues. In the end, it is the government, after recommendations from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), and the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) who decide how to balance the need for renewable energy produc- there’s a long list of dilemmas, and we almost never have an answer that’s 100 per cent right or wrong. environmental adviser, poWer generation, marilyn marskar tion with local environmental impact, by setting the terms which, after a comprehensive review, are in the best interest of society. From the 1950s The license term reviews apply to licenses granted before or during the 1950s. “In the 1950s, other considerations were made, and there was a different focus on environmental considerations than today. These change with the term reviews, but the stricter the regulations become, the less flexibility the power plants will have in terms of maximising the energy production. This is a balancing NVE must do, based on input from all involved parties, with the host communities and Statkraft as two of the most important,” says Marilyn Marskar. She is one of several employees who are in dialogue with municipalities, commission studies and assess the working of Statkraft’s feedback to NVE. Marskar says one of the most exciting aspects of her job, is that in every step of the process, she faces major considerations. “How far should we go in promoting certain environmental measures, when we at the same time seek to maintain our production basis and flexibility? Is it better that we suggest solutions river systems and the environment One step ahead that would reduce our production ability, rather than NVE deciding it for us? And how would various solutions affect how people regard us, locally and in general?” “There’s a long list of dilemmas, and we almost never have an answer that’s 100 per cent right or wrong. We focus on showing that there are a number of measures that can be introduced, without weakening the flexibility of the energy production. Very important measures include restocking fish and improving spawning conditions for fish. It is also possible to facilitate camping and fishing. Not least, other measures could be introduced for other species impacted by the development, such as in Aura, where a solution was found to make it easier for wild reindeer to cross the Aursjø reservoir,” Marskar says. “Each river regulation is unique, with different requests and local demands. We want to have a good dialogue and so it remains to see what the authorities change. Regardless, their decisions will be one of the most important guidelines for Statkraft’s activities in Norwegian river systems in the decades to come.” ● “despite the already very strict regulations from the authorities, Statkraft continuously works to find out how we can safeguard the environment even better,” says section head for the environment and licenses, Vegard Pettersen. There is hardly any other country in the world, besides Norway, with as strict legislation to regulate the energy industry to achieve the most sustainable development. Under this legislation, the water resources and environmental authorities in Norway can demand changes in river management, and order companies to implement improvement measures, restock fish and carry out environmental studies. Still, in some cases, Statkraft chooses to go beyond the regulatory requirements, according to Pettersen. Through voluntary measures, studies and self-imposed restrictions, the company emphasises making an extra effort for local communities and the environment. Pettersen says the self-imposed restrictions are closely tied to how Statkraft has been formed by its history. He points out that ever since the start, Statkraft has had a strong local involvement with the various river systems. And locally, one always had to keep in mind how to limit the negative impact. “It is important to us to be a good neighbour. Since we constructed the facilities, we have constantly acquired new expertise, which we use to improve the sustainable power production. When we now see new opportunities to use and expand this expertise, it sometimes results in a self-imposed restriction or a voluntary measure. By doing this, we would like to show the world that we are conscious of our environmental responsibility, at the same time as we unite this with financially sound power generation. In the long term, we therefore safeguard the possibility of continued high sustainable production,” Pettersen says. people & power 25 feature Working the river system statkraft uses a wide spectrum of measures in regulated river systems. here you can learn about some of the most important ones. 7 3 8 1 8 2 4 26 statkraft 5 river systems and the environment 1 goals for fish-related work 2 measures to imProve biotoPes 3 oils adaPted to the environment 4 studies of freshwater biology 5 roe Planting 6 fish Cultivation 7 mountain seed bank 8 fishing and CamPing 9 wild reindeer Facilitate self-reproducing stock, and introduce fish where restoration measures are not enough. Measures to maintain the biodiversity of river system. The measures promote natural processes in the river system and improve living conditions for fish. At the Pålsbu power plant, oils adapted to the environment are used. These oils degrade quicker. Any leaks will, as a result, have less impact on the environment. 9 Hydropower production impacts living conditions in the river. In order to gain sufficient knowledge, studies are carried out at 20 Norwegian salmon fishing rivers and several reservoirs. In order to simulate a natural spawning pit, roe is placed in grate boxes. Planting roe provides young fish that are better adapted to the river system than with normal restocking. Statkraft’s six fish cultivation facilities in Norway and Sweden produce fish and roe which are introduced to regulated areas. Statkraft also operates two of Norway’s three salmon gene banks. 6 A mountain seed bank is being developed in order to revegetate dams with local flora. The bank safeguards biodiversity and reduces the negative impact of alien flora. The “Along the river” project will increase accessibility to river banks. Shelters, fishing spots, hiking trails, bridges, rest areas and swimming areas are being constructed. Mapping wild reindeer migration patterns and grazing areas. The project will increase knowledge of the consequences infrastructure could have for wild reindeer. people & power 27 feature The Låga Bridge restored to its former glory. bridging the gap last year, residents of the suldal valley had an old and dear bridge reopened, due to support from statkraft. across norway, local communities are being helped by the ”along the river” project. europe is up next. F or a long time, the old Låga Bridge was an important thoroughfare between the communities on opposite sides of the River Suldalslågen, but due to increasing decay, the bridge was closed to all traffic in the 1990s. Many wanted the old bridge reopened, but Suldal municipality gave priority to a larger and “more important” bridge instead. Supporters of the old bridge had to face the fact that there were not enough funds to restore their beloved mast bridge. “means a lot” But then word of the “Along the river” project reached the municipality. The Ulla-Førre plants are located near the Låga Bridge, and Statkraft 28 statkraft decided to support a restoration project. The total cost was NOK 600 000, and with a NOK 150 000 guarantee from Statkraft, the funding was in place. Restoration work started, and in November 2009, the mayor could finally reopen the Låga Bridge to traffic. Project manager Bjarte Skipevåg in Suldal municipality is very happy with Statkraft’s contribution. “The bridge would almost certainly have remained closed had it not been for Statkraft,” Skipevåg says. “Through this, the company has demonstrated that it takes on an important responsibility for the local community and the people who live here. The feedback from the locals has been unanimously positive. In fact, I can’t recall ever being part of a project that has been so well-received by all. That says something about the position the bridge has locally, and why Statkraft’s contribution is so important.” “along the river” reaches far “Along the river” is a project aimed at introducing environmental measures in and along regulated river systems, so that the utilitarian value increases for more people. Many of the measures are also intended to increase biodiversity, by for instance improving and expanding spawning areas, and creating better hiding places for young fish. “Statkraft has opted for a wide interpretation of the environment concept. This is why the project also includes environmental measures such as new shelters and swimming areas which restore cultural heritage sites and facilitation of various trail types in connection with Statkraftregulated river systems. The project was initiated in 2007, and will run river systems and the environment “I can’t recall ever being part of a project that has been this wellreceived by all,” says project manager Bjarte Skipevåg in Suldal municipality (in front, left). Pictured here together with Mayor Torkel Myklebust during the opening of the bridge. the good neighbour often, statkraft believes it has the best solution for all kinds of challenges. But sometimes it is good to let others identify the answers. This is the case with the “Along the river” project, where resources will be spent on environmental measures in and along regulated river systems. The first step in the process is Statkraft providing information about “Along the river” in local media, asking for input. Individuals, municipalities, organisations and associations then describe projects they seek support for. When the list of measures takes shape, a joint review determines the measures that will have the greatest benefit for the local community. If it is financial support, Statkraft will make the payment upon completion of the project. ”We have received very good feedback from local communities on the projects and how we go about assessing them,” says Kåre Paulsen, river system and environmental affairs coordinator in Region Western Norway. “Although we do have a significant presence in the regions, in the end, it is the local population who is best equipped to have an opinion on how they wish to use their surroundings and areas at our power plants.” He believes the most important reason why “Along the river” has been received so well is that the project has a distinct Statkraft brand to it, meaning that dialogue and transparency are at the forefront. “In addition to “Along the river”, Statkraft has regular meetings with all its host communities,” Paulsen says. “During these meetings, we provide early information on any plans the company wishes to implement. This message can then be communicated to the rest of the municipality, so that we then can get feedback and objections. It is important that Statkraft always remains open and by the book, so that the local population continues to trust us. The experiences made during “Along the river” are a good tool in this regard. Statkraft contributed NOK 150 000 to the restoration of the bridge. for five years. During this time, Statkraft will spend about NOK 15 million on approximately 50 projects, and also provide expertise and labour from its own ranks,” section head Vegard Pettersen of environmental affairs and licenses says. The project has been well received by the host communities for the power plants, and Statkraft is also pleased with the execution and effect of the measures. In fact, the results have been so good, that “Along the river” projects have been in fact, the results have been so good, that “along the river” projects have been approved in the company’s new regions in germany, sweden and wales. approved in the company’s new regions in Germany, Sweden and Wales. In coming months, the company will take the lessons learned in Norway, assess local conditions, and start introducing measures at the top of the wish list. ● people & power 29 teChnology & the environment statkraft powers Turkish homes statkraft is now, for the first time, delivering clean hydropower to the Turkish market from its very own hydropower plant. The Cakit power plant is Statkraft’s first hydropower plant in Turkey, where the demand for electricity is expected to double by 2020. Statkraft is planning several other major hydropower plants in the country. “Statkraft’s initiatives in Turkey have good profitability and contribute more clean energy to Europe. Jobs and local development are also created,” says President and CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen. The Cakit hydropower plant will deliver electricity to the Turkish energy market. Cakit will have an annual average production of 95 GWh, enough to supply 32 000 Turkish households with electricity. Statkraft is working on an additional three projects in Turkey. all’s good that Ems well statkraft is finally starting construction of its first wind farm in sweden. The Em wind farm outside Mönsterås will consist of four wind energy generators, with a combined installed capacity of 9.2 MW. Construction started in June, and will, according to plan, continue for nine months. The investment will be SEK 130 million. The wind farm is a result of the collaboration with Södra Skogsägarna, which started last autumn. The agreement includes electricity and district heating deliveries to Södra’s plants, and development of 600 MW wind energy on Södra-owned land. 30 statkraft Statkraft has also entered a partnership with Europe’s largest private forest owner, SCA, in central Sweden. SCA Vind AB has received licenses for six wind farms with a combined installed capacity of 1 140 MW in Jämtland and Västernorrland counties. Statkraft has a total of 1 150 MW of wind energy in detailed planning in Sweden, enough to supply 120 000 households. record year for offshore wind during the first half of 2010, 118 new offshore wind energy generators were connected to the power grid. According to new figures from the European Wind Energy Association EWEA, the 118 wind energy generators have a combined capacity of 333 MW, well over half the 577 MW offshore wind energy installed last year. This proves that the growth in offshore wind energy is strong, despite the financial crisis. According to EWEA, an additional 151 wind energy generators (440 MW) were installed, but not connected to the power grid. “The number of wind energy generators connected to the power grid in the first half of this year, are well over half the total number of wind energy generators installed last year, and I feel confident that this will be a record year for wind energy," Justin Wilkies, policy director of EWEA, says. Power on the river is it possible to generate power from biomass using a run-over-the-river plant? Well, not quite, but the power plant can at least provide some of the biomass. Head of the German hydropower group, Maik Thalman, has lots of ideas, and wants, quite literally, to get the most out of the power plants. Every year, 1 000 tonnes of floating waste ends up in the debris catchers at Statkraft’s German powr plants. These catchers collect waste and heaps of wood chips. In fact, 28 of 30 collected cubic metres are biomass. The first theoretical and visible results from the Robert Franck biomass power plant confirm that the waste quality is sufficient to be used in power generation. The time has now come to find out if the project is profitable. “We really hope that the result from the ongoing trials will be positive,” says Thalman. “It would be a pity not to use a valuable resource that, quite literally, comes floating. Incineration of driftwood results in unexpected synergies and an eco-friendly cycle, so this would fit very well with Statkraft’s goals.” Providin g light fo r 32 000 turkish h ome s OsmOTic POwEr, ThE amEricaN way this summer’s membrane conference in san diego, which Statkraft co-sponsored, was a massive success. More than 100 participants from industrial and research communities working to produce membranes for osmotic power generation and clean water production took part. There was a great interest in the experiences Statkraft has gained from the osmotic power plant at Tofte. The conference’s purpose was to gather the top people within development and commercialisation of membrane technologies. Cooperation across company and geographic boundaries is vital if osmotic power is to be a technology to be reckoned with in the future. It is worth noting that US authorities contributed both with speakers and audience during the conference. A major North American energy company, Hydro Quebec, gave its support to osmotic power as a possible next-generation solution they wish to invest in during its representative’s speech. Statkraft’s osmotic power boss Stein Erik Skilhagen was impressed by the progress made since the first osmotic power conference in Amsterdam in 2008. “New research communities are emerging, and significant resources are being allocated to bring forth new membrane solutions. The next osmotic power prototype is already in the start-up phase in Japan,” Skilhaugen says, adding that Statkraft is gaining wide-spread recognition. “There are great expectations as to what Statkraft is doing in this field, and there is a lot of focus on the experiences from the osmotic power plant at Tofte,” Skilhagen says. 70 the height of wind energy generators is usually between 63 and 70 meters. if you add the rotor diameter, they become almost as high as the 117 metre high oslo Plaza. people & power 31 visit vignett Well done! When the carbon teams – at long last – were able to meet at the same time, there was a lot that needed to be ‘aired’; as evidenced by our informal windmill test. Here Vinka Hildebrandt, Rodolfo Azanza, Mari Viddal, Suman Basnet and Kristine Kjelaas test their lungs. no more Pajama Parties they work in very different parts of the world, and eat in different time zones. Usually when project development and carbon credits are on the agenda, at least one of them is still in their pJs. However, here in lovely son, the sN power and statkraft carbon teams are finally united in the same place, and at the same time. text: helena aina Zissis Photo: dag sPant 32 statkraft Carbon teams lunch with: Around the table, from left: Mari Viddal, Kristine Kjelaas, Suman Basnet, Rodolfo Azanza, Vinka Hildebrandt. The carbon Teams in sTaTkrafT and sn Power The carbon teams in sn Power and statkraft have completed their first joint workshop. The two companies share many of the same interests, with understanding of the carbon market, particularly the clean development mechanism (cdm), and large-scale hydropower being two of the most notable shared issues. one of the results of the workshop was an agreement to develop a joint policy memo that can be used in the market. t he carbon teams’ work covers everything from project development to purchase and sale of carbon credits, to different types of analysis. The discussions that took place during the workshop at Son Spa covered all aspects of the activities, and included exchanging opinions on how the carbon market will develop after 2012. This was the very first time that Statkraft and SN Power employees were gathered in a single location. Nearly the entire SN Power carbon team was in place, with its representatives from Nepal, the Philippines/Vietnam, Chile, Singapore and Oslo. For many of them, their daily work involves working closely with the local projects to facilitate that the projects qualify for CDM. Therefore, the workshop was a useful opportunity to share experiences – over lunch! dinner or Pjs? “The workshop is a great opportunity to bring together participants from the entire value chain in the carbon teams – from projects to trading. The on-site representatives try to hold monthly telephone conferences, often with one colleague in their PJs and another just sitting down to dinner, but there is nothing quite like a good, old-fashioned face-to-face meeting. This makes it easier to pick up the phone later,” says Suman Basnet, SN Power’s representative in Nepal. “Yes; not to mention the professional input, which is great! Here, those of us who normally follow the development projects very closely can sit and discuss things with representatives from other parts of the operation. This increases our understanding of the process,” says Rodolfo Azanza from SN Power in the Philippines. “Statkraft’s trading and analysis team is also represented, which adds an extra dimension to project development, which we follow on a day-to-day basis,” adds Basnet. wide-ranging market exPerienCe The participants have plenty to learn from each other – although experience gained from a project in one country is not necessarily similar in a different project. “Many things are specific to the individual countries. CDM is still a young market in a small country like Nepal, which is why personal relationships are still important,” says Basnet. “In Chile, one of the main challenges is to explain how the CDM market functions in relation to the energy market,” says Vinka Hildebrandt, CDM manager in Chile. “SN Power has been a pioneer in the CDM market. We have convinced the UN to change the methodology for new hydropower projects and upgrades of existing projects,” says Azanza, and adds: “Europe leads the field when it comes to carbon trading, but the markets in Africa and Central Asia are developing rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared.” very benefiCial CooPeration Around the lunch table, everyone agrees that the integration of SN Power and Statkraft provides good opportunities for cooperation, precisely when it comes to future positions in new and existing carbon markets. While SN Power is a direct developer of CDM projects worldwide, Statkraft contributes market support, trading and analyses. “We benefit from each others’ experience,” says Kristine Kjelaas, Director of Climate Programmes in SN Power. “The most recent updates and analyses from the trading group are good examples of useful information – particularly with a view towards development of the carbon market after 2012,” says Mari Viddal in Statkraft. Cooperation between SN Power and Statkraft has been further intensified over the last six months in that she and Anne Bolle have worked one day per week with SN Power’s CDM team. One of their tasks was to assist in the process of obtaining approval for the CDM in the UN system. a gathering of exPerts “Meeting as a group to discuss challenges and opportunities across the value chain gives us the chance to strengthen our market positions in the future. It is very good that experts at all levels are gathered and can explain their fields to the other participants. This makes the work more interesting for everyone because you gain a better understanding of the entire process, and it helps reinforce the feeling of being an important contributor to the value chain,” says Kjelaas. “Yes, this is excellent networking,” says Basnet; with a particular nod to the strong representation from Statkraft’s trading and analysis divisions. “For those of us involved in the “first stage”, close to the development projects, it is very motivating to hear about the experiences of the carbon players who trade credits in Amsterdam and Oslo.” ● the Power Challenge … … is People & Power’s informal lunch-room contest, where the question is which units have the highest lung capacity in the statkraft system. The annual winner will receive a small surprise by mail. ranking: 1) The statkraft and sn Power carbon teams: 147.7 ma 2) The employees at statkraft's hydropower plant in rheidol, wales: 110 ma 3) The employees at statkraft's istanbul office: 100.4 ma 147.7 ma for the record: The result is the highest recorded reading, stated in milliamperes. people & power 33 the Position Tormod schei (60) Born and raised at torshov, oslo Position: vice president of environment, statkraft education: Biology degree, university of oslo Civil status: resides in stevik, outside Fredrikstad. married, three children outside of work: reads a lot, especially science magazines, but is also fond of science fiction books. sings tenor in a barbershop group with a group of mates. Can often be spotted on the fjord in his boat. representative for the liberal party on the planning and environmental Committee in Fredrikstad municipality. Tormod Schei knows nothing better than donning his blue cap and spending time on the fjord with his day cruiser. “This is the greatest cap in the world,” he says. “I’ve had it since ‘93, it floats, can be crunched up and has a strap to go under your chin! I wrote a letter to the manufacturer in the US, asking them to resume production, but unfortunately, they said no.” 34 statkraft tormod sChei vice president of environment tormod schei strongly believes renewable energy sources can replace oil and coal. he just needs to convince the rest of the world. having been on the stage at royal albert hall in london might come in handy. TexT: sissel FantoFt PhoTo: ellen johanne jarli the man who wanted to people & power 35 the Position h e greets us in the reception area at the head office in Lilleaker with a big smile, and guides us to his small office. “I’ve been stressed over this interview all week,” he says. “I’m not too comfortable with the focus being on me. But I have a great job that I can say a lot about!” For 10 years, Tormod Schei was the senior environment adviser in Statkraft. He holds a biology degree and has worked as a teacher. He has also worked in the municipality sector and as a consultant. A year ago, he was given the managerial role in a separate environmental affairs department at Group level, with three senior advisers. “We function as advisers for the entire Group, and will safeguard Statkraft’s environmental interests,” he says. “We will take an active part in influencing the framework conditions, both nationally and internationally, be present during projects and make sure the environment is safeguarded. Developments in environmental affairs have been rapid in recent years, and Statkraft is at the very front. Our environmental approach will make us more competitive and even provide us with new business opportunities!” Great potential Tormod Schei is convinced the climate is changing, and that this is at the hands of humans. “I think the climate sceptics have based their doubts on the wrong foundation, and have gotten caught up in the details,” says Schei. “Oil and gas free carbon from subterranean storage, and when we release CO2 into the atmosphere, the greenhouse layer gets thicker. The result is a warmer, wetter and wilder climate. In addition, bio diversity is reduced and the seas become more acidic. Statkraft’s role in the fight against climate change is to deliver renewable energy.” He believes energy from sources such as water, wind, sun and wave/tide probably could replace oil and coal. “The great thing about hydropower is its flexibility,” says Schei. “When it clouds over, solar energy is out, the same goes for wind energy when the wind doesn’t blow. But water can be stored in reservoirs, and there is a great potential here.” He leans forward, pleased to explain.“To take one example, we’re involved in a project in Laos, where Statkraft subsidiary Nordic Hydropower has a 20 per cent stake. The remainder is owned by the Laotian government and a Thai company. I was there in April and they’re doing some really fascinating work. They already have a hydropower plant without a reservoir, a so-called run-of-the-river plant, and it is now being expanded with a massive reservoir, which will ensure stable energy generation even in the dry season. The process entails major infrastructure projects, and several villages will be moved. We are taking on the role as the responsible owner to make sure that 36 statkraft people are treated well. The families get new housing, electricity, health services, schools and roads, and kitchen gardens and fields to provide them with increased income. This is a great example of a sustainable hydropower development.” Nerve-racking process All interference with the environment has positive and negative consequences. Sometimes people will have to move when new hydropower plants are developed, for example. Sometimes wildlife is affected – at our wind farm on Smøla, for instance, sea eagles sometimes fly into the generators. “There is no energy source without any negative consequences,” says Schei. “Society needs to decide what consequences are acceptable And when these tradeoffs do occur, it is important to show that we take responsibility in everything we do. We try to systematically improve all the time.” The UN climate panel, IPCC, is currently preparing a special report on global renewable energy strategies. Tormod Schei has prepared the chapter on hydropower. “I’m both humbled and a bit anxious when it comes to this,” he says. “After all, there are a lot of people in Statkraft who know a lot more about hydropower than I do. I was nominated by Norwegian authorities, together with hydrology professor Aanun Killingtveit. The hydropower group comprises nine people from all over the world, and it is a nerve-racking process. The final draft will be submitted over Christmas, and I hope it goes well. This will be the advice to world leaders on how to handle hydropower until 2100.” long summers outdoors When Tormod Schei gives advice to world leaders, it is based on a strong interest in nature, an interest he has had since his childhood ”My mum died when I was still little, and my dad, who worked at the tax office, was left with me and my brother, who has a brain injury,” he explains. “Back then it was unthinkable that he would have the sole responsibility for the two of us, so my dad’s family took my brother with them to Western Norway, while I spent long summers with my mum’s family in Fredrikstad.” Built at the mouth of the Glomma river, this beautiful area of riverside trails, forests, bogs, hills and beautiful ponds is where his love affair with nature, and with Fredrikstad started, so it comes as no surprise that he made this town his home 23 years ago with his wife and three kids. His early interest in nature and the environment led him to earn a biology degree in the 1970s, and a major in ecology with specialisation in freshwater ecology and salmon. “It was a conscious choice to stop doing research after my degree, because I rather wanted to use my knowledge of the ecosystems in society,” he says. “Statkraft is the only place I’ve been where I can make use of absolutely all my experiences, so you could say this is my ideal job.” When he is not working, he reads a lot or goes out on the fjord in his boat. As well, he sings in a barbershop group, and every other year, he and his musical mates go on a boys-only trip. “We’ve been to London and Barcelona, and the next trip will be Berlin. We sing on the streets and in the pubs, we even sang at Royal Albert Hall! We were on a guided tour, and when we came to the stage, we sang a song. Not everybody can say that!” ● there is no energy source without any negative consequences. society needs to decide what consequences are acceptable. The advisers in Statkraft’s environmental department say Schei is a great boss. He is pictured here together with Åse Roen. “My leadership philosophy is to make sure the staff is stimulated at work, so that they can develop,” says Schei. “We have a great environment in our department, but I’ve been told I need to improve on keeping up with my e-mails.” tormod sChei statkraft is the only place i’ve been where i can make use of absolutely all my experiences. people & power 37 hse the greatest ”disaster” in history Before summer, statkraft held the largest disaster drill in company history in landesbergen, germany. text and photo: judith tanninger t he drill was held at the city’s gas power plant and simulated a gas explosion with 13 casualties. A total of 240 emergency response workers and employees were involved in the drill, which lasted several hours. This is the single largest drill ever held by Statkraft, regardless of country. drill, drill, drill The purpose was to check if the gas power plant’s emergency preparedness functioned as intended, and just a select few were aware that a drill was at hand. Strengths and weaknesses with the plan were monitored and assessed, as were the efforts by the plant’s own employees and those of the emergency services. The preliminary results have already been applied to other ”what if” drills. ”The best practice we can get for a crisis situation – which we of course hope never happens – is to drill, drill, drill and then drill some more. This principle applies both to the theory and practice,” says HSE manager Stefan Rembges. annual drills ”We plan to hold one practical drill like this at each power plant annually. This is the only way employees will gain the expertise and confidence they need if they face an actual disaster,” Rembges says. New hsE director Claudia hauge is the functioning HSE SVP after Torbjørn Lyngestad started in a new position in Power Generation on 1 June. “In Statkraft we have ambitious goals as regards health, safety and the environment, both domestically and abroad. The HSE SVP position is both very exciting and challenging,” Hauge says. “Our goal is to avoid injuries in Statkraft, and this applies both to our own employees and to contractors in consolidated and associated operations. This means that we must improve 38 statkraft implementation of Statkraft’s HSE requirements with our suppliers in all projects, and to implement a system for learning from serious incidents, near accidents and hazardous conditions across the consortium,” Hauge says. She has plenty of experience with HSE. Her background includes heading the health and safety section of the Group’s HSE staff, and she has more than 20 years experience from working with HSE. Hauge started in Statkraft in 2007, and was appointed VP of health and safety in July 2008. Mads Magnussen is now the functioning VP of health and safety. what is your view on starting work in statkraft? trude frydenberg (47), senior adviser, TcT nn, sandefjord There was plenty to do for emergency workers. Here we see one of the 13 ”casualties” being brought to the ambulance "I paid close attention when Statkraft acquired Fjordkraft’s portfolio this spring. Fjordkraft is an end-user company, with a strong customer focus, and for this reason I feel I bring very valuable experience to the table. It will be exciting to be a part of Statkraft, which has experts in every part of the value chain. I have a mobile office, and will be travelling extensively to Trondheim and Oslo to keep in touch with my professional environments.” gordon lugsdin (30), Ports, vessels and logistics manager, reading, Uk “I started in Statkraft to be a part of the Forewind consortium. I previously worked as Port Operations Manager in a UK company, but wanted a new challenge in a different company and learn their values. Statkraft is an important player in renewable energy in the UK, and I look forward to being part of the company’s future plans and ambitions.” A total of 240 people were involved in the largest drill in Statkraft history. eirik mo (31), analyst, emd, Trondheim “There was a pretty steep learning curve, and I quickly received operational responsibilities. I was well received by a department with four women. All five of us are very athletic, and I’m proud that we’re at the top of the physical exercise competition “Energy for Life”. I’ve already paddled home from work on the Nidelva River. As a doctor of statistics I hope to be involved in developing better analyses of uncertainties in the price prognoses.” julie advocaat lund (24), controller, Treasury department, lilleaker It was easy to see that the fire hose was one of the things that worked best during the drill. “I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in May, where I took business studies with focus on finance. In June, I had my first day in Statkraft. I already feel that this is a company where I can grow. I also feel that my position fits what I see as my career ladder in an exciting, future-oriented company, with focus on renewable forms of energy.” New chief security Officer statkraft … morten h. rørvik will be the new Chief Security Officer in Statkraft, when Petter Sørensen retires at the end of the year. Until this date, Rørvik will be the assistant Chief Security Officer. Rørvik was hired in March 2009, as senior health and safety adviser in the HSE Group staff. He holds a Master of Letter in Middle East Security from the University of Aberdeen, and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences (eq.) from the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy/Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College. Rørvik’s has extensive experience as an air force officer and senior adviser in Flack Notec Crisis Management AS, including crisis management and preparedness planning/ management, with special focus on strategy at the Group level. Statkraft is the European leader in renewable energy. The Group develops and produces hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major player on the European energy exchanges. Statkraft has more than 3200 employees in more than 20 countries. people & power 39 the history lesson energe t motto iC a piCture says more than a thousand Words this poster is from a time when power line construction not only had the backing of the labour Party, but of the entire population. the message seems to be as long as pylons are built, the nation can have a bight outlook. the labour election poster from the 1950s, dates back to when Statkraft, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate and Statnett were all one company. But today, when Statnett, now a separate and very much lambasted company, wants to construct power lines and cables, the reaction is quite different. All of Hordaland County seems to be up in arms over the decision by Statnett and the government to construct a number of large pylons, partly over and partly on the side of the world famous Hardanger fjord. People don’t want to see cables, but they agree that securing a power supply for Bergen is a worthy goal. Perhaps this poster could help explain the difficulty Labour has with seeing anything but massive pylons in Hardanger. Then again, campaign promises do have limited shelf life. Which is perhaps why some party members want to compromise with the protesters and give the subsea cable alternative a more thorough review. Illustration: Archives of the Norwegian Labour Movement. Poster states: "Progress will continue The Labour Party" 40 statkraft
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